Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy with Scoop, No Metal Inner Liner, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0279-1

Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy with Scoop, No Metal Inner Liner, Late Showa 1966-1989| SKU: 26J-0279-1

A rare kaba-zaiku cherry bark tea caddy with matching scoop -- handcrafted in the wabi-sabi tradition of Japanese folk craft. 

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose-leaf tea, keeping it fresh and fragrant between servings. This example is crafted in the kaba-zaiku technique -- a celebrated folk art in which strips of wild cherry bark (kaba) are carefully layered and burnished over a wood core to create a richly textured, naturally water-resistant surface. The result is a deep reddish-brown finish scattered with pale lenticel markings that catch the light like brushstrokes on lacquer. The caddy is constructed in three separable parts: a tall cylindrical inner canister fitted with a snug inner lid topped by a small turned knob, and a shorter outer sleeve that slides over the base to seal the whole. A matching flat tea scoop in the same cherry bark material completes the set. The patina and wear across the surface are consistent with mid-Showa production, placing this piece among the generation of vintage Japanese craft objects made for everyday household use during Japan's postwar era.

Today this handcrafted Japanese canister works beautifully well beyond the tea shelf. Its compact cylindrical form and naturally airtight construction make it a practical kitchen canister for loose-leaf teas, coffee grounds, or small spices -- a distinctive alternative to mass-produced tins. On a home office desk or vanity, the caddy holds cotton rounds, hair pins, or small trinkets with quiet elegance. Its rich dark patina and organic texture also make it a striking living room accent or shelf display piece in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. A thoughtful and unique gift for tea lovers, collectors of Japanese vintage folk craft, or anyone drawn to the understated beauty of natural materials.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Cherry bark (kaba) veneer over wood core; kaba-zaiku construction; lacquered interior
• Use: Storing loose-leaf tea; includes a matching flat cherry bark tea scoop
• Modern Use: Kitchen canister for tea or spices; desktop organizer for small items; decorative shelf accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interior
• Features: Three-part construction -- tall inner canister, short outer sleeve, and inner lid with turned knob; matching flat cherry bark tea scoop included; characteristic pale lenticel markings across the bark surface; burnished deep reddish-brown patina throughout
• Dimensions: 3"Diameter x 4 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A genuine piece of vintage Japanese folk craft -- the kaba-zaiku chazutsu brings warmth, natural beauty, and centuries of artisan tradition to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.